Over time, brickwork and natural stone accumulate carbon pollution, paint, algae, moss, and unsightly mortar smears. However, using the wrong cleaning method can do more damage than good, permanently fracturing stone sills, stripping away protective ‘fire skins’ off historic bricks etc. If you have brickwork or stone masonry that requires cleaning, but don’t know how best to tackle it – read on, we’re here to help.
At Unique Pointing, we evaluate your building’s substrate, age, and contamination level to deploy the exact, safe cleaning technique required.
Which cleaning method does my property need?
Explore our four core cleaning disciplines below to see which treatment best suits your masonry:
DOFF steam cleaning (superheated low-pressure)
- Best for: Delicate period properties, Grade II listed buildings, heritage brickwork, sandstone sills, and removing moss/algae spores.
- How it works: Uses superheated water up to 150°C at very low pressure. The extreme heat melts away biological growth and light carbon soot without soaking the masonry or causing surface erosion.
Specialist chemical cleaning
- Best for: Heavy industrial carbon staining, efflorescence (white salt deposits), deep soot, and post-construction mortar smears on new builds.
- How it works: Targeted, non-abrasive cleaning agents are applied to dwell and dissolve deep-seated chemical bonds and salt crusts, followed by a gentle low-pressure rinse.
Sandblasting & abrasion cleaning
- Best for: Heavy paint removal, severely encrusted stone, industrial brickwork, and exposed interior brick feature walls.
- How It works: Uses fine, controlled aggregates propelled by air to lift stubborn, multi-layered coatings and thick heavy carbon encrustations from tough masonry substrates.
Non-destructive graffiti removal
- Best for: Commercial properties, public buildings, and residential brickwork defaced by aerosol spray paint or ink markers.
- How it works: Combines specialised paint-lifting chemical formulations with gentle steam extraction to lift paint pigments out of porous brick pores without leaving ‘ghosting’ marks.
Still not sure what treatment your brick or stone needs?
We don’t expect everyone to be a masonry expert. Before commencing any project, Simon and our team can execute a thorough site inspection and a controlled test patch on a discreet area of your wall to guarantee the safest, most effective finish for your particular masonry type.
Get in touch to ask any further questions or to arrange a free, no obligation estimate.
Have any questions?
Please note, our office address is for written correspondence only – all services are provided on-site at your property.
You can also send us a direct message, including image attachments if required, using our contact form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.